Four Places To Go And All The Things To Pack

We’ve done all the legwork so you can live your best life this spring break.

By Katie Bridges | Styling by Kimberly Cyr Calhoun

ISLA HOLBOX, MEXICO

Feel a million miles away, like, two hours from Cancun

Where to say: The stylish Casa Las Tortugas, which looks like an island hideaway out of central casting—hammocks hanging from palm trees, gauze hanging from bedposts, thatch-roof palapas and the like—or the sophisticated Ser CasaSandra, which is owned by a duo of expat artists who’ve filled the space with all manner of gorgeousness.

What to do: When you’re not, you know, in that hammock under that palm tree or paddling through the island’s still turquoise waters, check out Yum Balam Nature Reserve, home to the largest concentration of whale sharks on the planet, as well as a panoply of birds (420 species!) and more than a few jaguars (really!).

Where to eat: Mediterranean meets Mexican at Casa Las Tortugas’ lantern-lit Mandarina. Elsewhere, you can find sushi with a sunset view at Villas HM Palapas del Mar, and salad bowls for the namaste set at Náay.

Where to say: Views of the canyonlands are inescapable at L’Auberge de Sedona, which is tucked away on the banks of Oak Creek. Nearby, Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa offers daily yoga and complimentary mountain bikes, while the super luxe Mii Amo will appeal to those seeking a more spiritual experience.

Where to eat:Mariposa, where the sweeping views are just as delicious as chef Lisa Dahl’s Latin-inspired menu, or Cress on Oak Creek, where mole-rubbed venison loin comes with a side of babbling brook.

Where to say: With amenities like a nightly wine hour, complimentary bikes and a yoga mat in every room—not to mention a too-good-to-be-true location and style in spades—the Kimpton Brice is a no-brainer. A few blocks to the west, The Cotton Sail Hotel’s digs in a refurbished cotton plant add a dose of history—plus, with riverfront views, the location ain’t half bad, either.

What to do: In town, take a walk beneath Spanish-moss-strewn live oaks at Forsyth Park, take in an exhibition at the SCAD Museum of Art and peruse the wares at the open-air City Market, which dates back to the 1700s. Off the coast—just a 20-minute drive from downtown—Tybee Island’s got the makings of a perfect beach day.

Where to eat: Housed in an Art-Deco Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey offers upscale Southern dishes—foie and grits, pickled oysters, smoked collards, etc. Wash it all down with a boulevardier at Artillery, which is as easy on the eyes as any bar could ever hope to be. If you find yourself on the island, try The Wyld Dock Bar for steamed banana-leaf fish tacos with dill chimichurri and spicy tomato jam, capped off with a glass of sangria.

Where to say: Even the standard rooms in the resort’s Main house are luxurious, but for the full Blackberry Farm experience, splurge on one of the Hill Cottages, and take advantage of the fireplace, soaking tub, screened-in porch and Smoky Mountain vistas. What to do: There are plenty of on-property activities—fly-fishing, wildflower hikes, something called “forest bathing”—but no one will blame you if you never leave your cozy cottage.

Where to eat: Oh, goodness, eat all of the things everywhere. There’s a cheesemaker, a forager, a butcher and a sommelier all on site, not to mention a trio of big-name chefs. Trust us: You won’t go hungry. (blackberryfarm.com)

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Arkansas Life magazine digs deep into The Natural State each month, unearthing surprising stories and exposing readers to new facets of a familiar place. To put it simply, we’re naturally curious—and we’re proud, like you, to call this place home.